Professor Gánti offers a radically novel approach. Based on his theory of fluid (chemical) automata, he shows that all living systems are organized as program controlled, self-reproducing fluid automata and proposes the simplest such construction-the chemoton-as the minimum model of life. In this volume, the logical train of thought is presented in a clear and easily understandable manner for the beginning student and professional scientist alike. The first part provides an overview of the general idea; the second applies the chemoton model to the biogenesis of life; the third part develops the chemoton model into a general theory of the living state and the living world for the natural sciences.

Gánti's chemical perspective captures the fundamentally cyclic organization of the living state, offers a fresh approach to the ancient problem of life criteria", and articulates a philosophy of the units of life applicable to genetics, chemistry, evolutionary biology, and exact theoretical biology"

New essays by Eörs Szathmáry and James Griesemer on the biological and philosophical significance of Gánti's work indicate its enduring theoretical significance, continuing relevance and heuristic power. New notes throughout the text bring this legacy into dialogue with current thought in biology and philosophy.